WEST SYSTEM® | Epoxy Basics
Eleven guides covering the whole job: how epoxy cures, how to mix and thicken it, how to prepare a surface, how to bond, coat and finish.
ATL Composites manufactures and distributes WEST SYSTEM epoxy in Australia. These are guides only and carry the WEST SYSTEM method, with Australian pack sizes, filler equivalents and metric measurements throughout.
3 routes
Guide only. These guides are adapted from WEST SYSTEM instructional material. Refer to the current technical data sheet for full product specifications and suitability, and read the product label and safety data sheet before use.
In series order
Guide 01 · Theory
How epoxy cures — liquid, gel and solid stages, open time, pot life, hardener speed and temperature.
Guide 02 · Method
Dispensing and mixing WEST SYSTEM epoxy — 5:1 and 3:1 ratios, calibrated Mini Pumps, one-minute mixing and safe large batches.
Guide 03 · Method
Thickening epoxy with fillers — the two-step method, syrup to peanut butter consistencies, and the Australian filler equivalents.
Guide 04 · Estimating
How much epoxy a job needs — coverage rates, the 105 Resin quantity table, and how to estimate a flow coat.
Guide 05 · Preparation
The clean, dry and sanded rule, preparation by material, the contaminants that cause adhesion failures, and the water break test.
Guide 06 · Procedure
Two-step and single-step bonding, the three factors in joint strength, clamping pressure, laminating and epoxy fillets.
Guide 07 · Procedure
Five methods by load, oversized hole sizing, Australian filler equivalents, cure time before loading and removing a bonded fastener.
Guide 08 · Overview
The whole series in one place — cure chemistry, mixing, fillers, surface preparation, bonding, coating and finishing, with Australian pack sizes and filler equivalents.
Guide 09 · Coating
Two coats minimum, three if sanding, up to six for maximum moisture protection — plus roller technique and tipping off.
Guide 10 · Finishing
Washing off amine blush, sanding to the right grit for your coating, the water rinse check and coating within 24 hours.
Guide 11 · Finishing
Which paint or varnish to use over an epoxy barrier coat — latex, alkyd, polyurethane, epoxy paint, antifouling, primers and gelcoat.
Every guide lists the WEST SYSTEM products it calls for, supplied by ATL Composites.
View the WEST SYSTEM rangeContact ATL Composites on +61 7 5563 1222 or [email protected].
WEST SYSTEM® and 105 Epoxy Resin® are registered trademarks of Gougeon Brothers, Inc., USA. Manufactured and distributed in Australia by ATL Composites Pty Ltd. Diagrams and instructions courtesy of WEST SYSTEM.
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